When Men Join Hands to Break Gender Stereotypes
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Man, Head of the “Community Communication Team” in Rao Tre village Nuclear people in Changing Perceptions
In many ethnic minority communities, men are traditionally regarded as the “breadwinner” of the family. However, this mindset is changing in Rao Tre, thanks to the proactive involvement of male members in the local “Community Communication Team” (CCT).
According to Ms. Ho Thi Kien, village head and deputy team leader of the CCT, the team has seven members-four women and three men. Having men join the effort to promote gender equality has made a meaningful and widespread impact. She said: “People used to think gender equality was only a women’s affair, but now men see it as their responsibility too.”
All members, regardless of gender, take equal responsibility in their work and are willing to contribute. There’s no more “I’m a man, I don’t do this”, Ms. Kien added. They’ve changed a lot-now they share housework, care for their families and no longer hold patriarchal views.
These changes are visible in daily life. Domestic violence has decreased, and attitudes have shifted. “Men used to ignore housework and children, now they cook, clean, take care of the kids, no longer seeing those tasks as “women’s works”. It makes family life more peaceful,” said resident Ms. Dinh Thi Mai.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Man, Head of the CCT, and Ms. Ho Thi Kien (right), Rao Tre village chief, promoting gender equality among Chut households
Pushing Back Harmful Customs
Ms. Tran Thi Huong (Phuc Trach Commune Women's Union) shared that the Union regularly includes messages about men's roles in gender equality during village meetings. However, changing mindsets is no easy feat, it requires persistence and a personal, relatable approach. Rao Tre has 46 ethnic minority households, many still facing hardship. Encouraging men to support women and children in community activities is a major step forward.
Through the project “Promoting Gender Equality and Addressing Urgent Issues Facing Women and Children,” part of the national target program for ethnic minority and mountainous development (2021–2025), local men have not only gained knowledge but also shifted their thinking and behavior in daily life. Outdated customs that once served as barriers are slowly disappearing. More and more men are stepping up to support Chut women and children, becoming true companions in building a more equal community.
